FINALLY spring has arrived.
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Hopefully it will settle quickly: cold and heat alternating (which can happen in early spring) causes fruiting processes to be interrupted.
For example, during the last couple of years passionfruit and tomato production has been low. Passionfruit particularly react to an unsettled spring.
Spring is a reminder that we have a garden, whether large or small - our enthusiasm may not last long, but while it does prune and feed to make the most of what you have.
It is unwise to prune tropical plants until the weather stabilises - this includes hibiscus and bougainvillea.
Gardenias, buxus, murraya and camellias can be pruned and fed with cow manure.
Remember that potted specimens need a slow-release fertiliser such as Bounceback.
Camellias, azaleas and rhododendron will be happy if peat moss is spread over their root system before the weather becomes too hot. This not only keeps them cool, the peat also maintains the soil's acidity.
Spring flowering shrubs, including natives, should be lightly pruned after flowering.
Never cut lavenders or daisies back to old wood.
Flowering peaches should be pruned after blossoming to encourage new wood for next season.
Citrus should be fertilised by the end of September - apply poultry manure and citrus food on separate occasions to a well-watered drip line.
Potted plants should only be fed with a slow-release fertiliser such as Bounceback but never citrus food as this will cause leaf drop.
Lawns should be sprayed for all weeds before fertilising.
A sunny day is required without rain for 6-8 hours.
If lawns only have a few weeds the weed and feed products are ideal, but if the grass is struggling it is best to weed with a product such as Bin die, then follow up with a good fertiliser after the weeds die down.
The arrival of spring means tomatoes, lettuce and all the salad goodies. Before planting dig in cow manure and a vegetable fertiliser and leave for one week before planting. Why cow manure for summer vegetables, I'm often asked - simply cow is a good mulch for summer and summer vegetables prefer an acid soil.
Houseplants will be waking up from winter - give them some help with fertiliser and even a top-up with fresh potting mix.
Remember the Christ Church Cathedral's Flower Festival, a spectacular display by local florists, on Friday, September 4 and Saturday, September 5.